Michael ("Mike") Anthony Angel, 82, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2025, surrounded by love, after a courageous battle with illness. Born in 1942 at Pine Mountain Settlement School in Kentucky to Susie (Hall) and August David Angel, Mike's life was a testament to integrity, resilience, and boundless generosity. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Fredrica ("Fredi") Lynn Andres of Brookfield, Ohio, with whom he built a life filled with adventure, family, and unwavering devotion.

A proud graduate of Sharpsville High School in Pennsylvania, Class of 1960, Mike answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Marine Corps. During his four years of active duty, he was deployed to the Caribbean during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to protecting his nation. He continued his service for two additional years in the Marine Corps Reserve, achieving the rank of Sergeant. An avid runner, Mike later took on the challenge of the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., twice, along with several other marathons, embodying the discipline and determination that defined his character.

Mike and Fredi were blessed with two children, Michael Kelly (Christie) Angel and Amber Lynnae Linnevers, as well as grandsons Kevin (Jewon) Linnevers and Eric John (Haley) Linnevers. Their family also included their beloved godson, Christopher Angel, and honorary grandson, Kyle Linnevers, all of whom Mike cherished deeply.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mike served in a variety of roles that showcased his courage and unwavering sense of justice. He began as a merchant in Viper, Kentucky, before serving for four years as a Kentucky State Trooper in Floyd County. His law enforcement career reached its pinnacle with 24 years as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). His tenure took him to Charleston, West Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Atlanta, Georgia. In Cleveland, he was wounded in the line of duty during a drug arrest, suffering a serious injury to his right femur.

Despite the physical challenges that followed, his resilience never wavered—he returned to work and continued his service with distinction until his retirement in 1994. During his time in West Virginia, he also earned a degree in Law Enforcement from West Virginia State College, further exemplifying his lifelong pursuit of excellence.

Retirement did not slow Mike down; instead, he embarked on a new journey as a master craftsman, founding the renowned Red Dog & Company. Inspired by his grandfather's handmade chairs, Mike built stunning Appalachian-style furniture that became highly sought after. His work found homes among admirers nationwide, including former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, U.S. Representative Hal Rogers, former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, and legendary musician Tom T. Hall.

Mike's son later joined him in the business after completing a distinguished 26-year career in federal law enforcement with ATF and is dedicated to carrying on his father's legacy. While overseeing Red Dog & Company, Mike also played a crucial role in conducting federal background checks for the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Justice Department, further exemplifying his lifelong commitment to service and integrity.

Mike was a man of many passions and commitments. He was a proud member of the ATF Peer Support Team, ATFAR, ATFA, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, and Masonic Vico Lodge. He was also a Shriner, a Kentucky Colonel, and an esteemed member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, Sheltowee Artisans, and Southern Highland Artisans. His patriotism ran deep-he often told his grandson that the Fourth of July was his favorite holiday, a fitting reflection of his love for his country.

Mike's incredible life was recognized in numerous publications, including "A Boy from Boone" by Philip C. McGuire, where he was described as "one of many great special agents" and praised for his character, courage, tenacity, and loyalty. He was also honored in "Kentucky: A State of Mind" by David and Lalie Dick and "Backwoods Chairmakers: In Search of the Appalachian Ladderback Chairmaker" by Andrew D. Glenn. KET's "BluegrassandBackroads" series also featured his craftsmanship and life story.

Mike's family and friends were his greatest treasures. He thrived on the energy of those around him, and his home was always a gathering place for deep conversations, laughter, and camaraderie. Most afternoons, friends would join him on the porch, bourbon in hand, to share stories, debate the world's problems, tell jokes and trade treasures. Fredi, knowing the company was always welcome, never cooked just for two.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Fredi; his children and grandchildren; his sister, Ann Angel Eberhardt (Thomas); his brother, Patrick Nicholas Angel (Glenna); a host of beloved nieces and nephews; cousins and countless friends whose lives he touched with his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty.

A graveside service and interment will occur March 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, 6614 Old Danville Loop 2 Road, Nicholasville, Kentucky. Following the service, friends and family are invited to celebrate Mike's life at 2:00 p.m., 994 Angel Acres in London, Kentucky.

Memorial contributions may be made to the KSP Foundation, https://kspfoundation.org, or Trooper Island, https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/trooper-island, in honor of a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Special thanks to Bluegrass Care Navigators for their compassion, care, and endless support.